Triumph's latest bike, the Trophy, takes it straight to the forefront of the
touring class.

There’s a special place for the Trophy name in the history of Triumph: the first bike to emerge from the Hinckley factory 21 years ago, kick-starting John Bloor’s revival of the famous but failed old marque, was the four-cylinder Trophy.

Now the name is back, on a machine that underlines just how far, and fast, Triumph has moved on in two decades. The latest incarnation is a touring bike, the sector dominated by BMW’s accomplished R1200RT.

Typical of Triumph, the Trophy has stormed in and raised the bar. It employs the driveline of the 2012 Tiger Explorer. Crucially for the touring category, that means a shaft final drive from the 1,215cc, three-cylinder engine to the rear wheel. The power peak is down slightly to 132bhp due to different exhaust and intake layouts, while the engine management has been refined to suit the Trophy’s role and the top gear is taller for more relaxed cruising.

I rode it 360 miles to Hinckley from Scotland and on a mix of roads with varied riding it returned 51mpg, which equates to a range of almost 300 miles.

As well as economy, a good touring bike needs exceptional comfort. Again the Trophy scores, in particular its rider protection. Pzassengers are equally well catered for, with plenty of room and a seating position that should be comfortable over long distances.

The one negative is the ride quality, which feels restless and jiggling, with potholes jarring the rider.

You’ll forgive that after the first corner, however. The Trophy is the best handling bike in the class, belying its 664lb mass as it dives into corners and swoops along sinuous roads. Its handling is so good it adds a new dimension to what we should expect of a touring bike, and will even open up this class to riders who previously might not have considered a tourer.

The Trophy is extremely well put together, while service intervals are 10,000 miles. With the range starting from £12,949, it’s also £1,000 cheaper than a similarly specified R1200RT. It’s a real tour de force and goes straight to the top of the class.

THE FACTS

Triumph Trophy SE

Price/on sale: £14,299/October

Power/torque: 132bhp @ 9,000rpm/89lb ft @ 6,450rpm

Top speed: 130mph (est)

Tank/range: 5.7 gallons/290 miles

Verdict: Does almost everything it’s supposed to better than its rivals, then adds superb handling and a characterful three-cylinder engine. We’d like a more plush ride, but that's the only complaint

Telegraph rating: Five out of five stars

RIVALS

BMW R1200RT, £12,695

The previous benchmark for touring bikes. A wide range of accessories, good handling, excellent comfort, outstanding economy and a good dealer network.

Kawasaki 1400GTR, £13,599

Beautifully made, but the engine’s main muscle is high up the rev range where touring riders don’t require it. The handling is uneasy and some of the detailing irritates.

Moto Guzzi Norge 1200GT, £11,920

V-twin engines are off many riders’ radar, but it’s a decent touring bike with good handling. The main issue is cramped leg room for taller riders.